Aurelia concealed Ava under a cape in the back seat of her solar vehicle. The task had become easier now that Ava had stopped emitting colorful fumes. Her glowing light, once so vivid, could now be concealed beneath the thick cape.

  The Rehabilitation Center was nothing like Ava had imagined. It was a striking crescent-shaped building, designed harmoniously with the surrounding terrain. In the distance, the bay could still be seen, its waters shimmering under the sun. The inner circle of the crescent housed beautiful gardens, tucked away behind the building and surrounded by a forest of fragrant linden trees, their sweet scent drifting through the air.

  The majestic grand piano in the entrance hall seemed to welcome them, its polished surface gleaming in the soft light. Ava felt a strong urge to touch its keys, her fingers itching to play as if she knew how to play the piano from a previous lifetime. She couldn’t help but imagine herself playing it with the same fluid grace Alessandro had envisioned when she first asked him about the piano in Rome. A wave of hope surged in her chest.

  The building’s interior was as breathtaking as an art museum, with every detail thoughtfully curated. Aurelia led Ava on a tour of the main floor, where the laboratories and research center were located. The patient rooms were on the upper floors, their purpose clear but distant. After the brief tour, Aurelia escorted Ava to her room and, with a warm smile, poured her a cup of coffee with an inviting nutty scent.

  “We currently have two hundred and eighty-four patients who require specialized care, as their condition has reached a delirium stage,” she began, her voice heavy with sorrow. “Typically, patients only reach this point after four or five years of suffering. During the initial years, they can still function within society. But when a patient is admitted to the rehabilitation center, it means they don’t have much longer left.”

  “How long do they have?” Ava asked, concerned.

  “Depends on the patient,” Aurelia replied softly. “I’ve seen some who lived for another year, and others who only lasted a few weeks.”

  “I understand,” Ava said, her gaze faltering. “Who do you think I should start with?” she asked hesitantly, the weight of the patients’ suffering settling heavily on her shoulders. Aurelia, recognizing the burden of such responsibility, gave her a knowing look, one that spoke of the stress that came with this kind of work.

  “Relax,” Aurelia said gently. “Alessandro and the senators won’t be here until the afternoon. You have time to center yourself, to find your focus and peace. I’m here for you.”

  Ava felt a wave of relief at Aurelia’s support. As she looked at Alessandro’s mother, she couldn’t help but notice their striking resemblance. Her imagination began to wander, picturing a baby girl with dark, curly locks like her father’s and green eyes like her mother’s. A smile tugged at her lips, but she quickly stifled it, grateful she wasn’t radiating emotional fumes. Otherwise, she would have been utterly embarrassed, though, honestly, there were already more than enough reasons for that after what had happened the night before.

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  “Can you show me how do you flow the light?” asked Aurelia.

  Ava nodded and glanced around, searching for a reflection of light. Then, it struck her, she was already glowing with light. It was time to draw on her own power. She focused, gathering the light within her, and carefully directed it to her palm. Within moments, a small sphere of light materialized, shimmering gently in her hand. She held it up for Aurelia to see, a silent display of her newfound control.

  “Can I touch it?” Aurelia asked softly. Ava nodded and extended her hand toward her. As soon as Aurelia cupped the sphere of light in both hands, a wisp of black smoke escaped, swirling and vanishing into the air. Ava stood frozen, her mouth slightly agape, utterly speechless.

  “Congratulations,” Aurelia said softly, her smile widening as she spoke, her voice full of warmth. “You just healed your first patient.”

  Overcome with emotion, the two women embraced, sharing a moment of quiet joy. Ava, her heart swelling with a newfound sense of purpose, was ready to move forward and meet the other patients.

  By the afternoon, when the Emperor, Alessandro, and the senators arrived at the Rehabilitation Center, the entrance was alive with families of the patients, all eager to see Ava and the healed. Ava was in the gardens, working on another patient. Aurelia greeted the Emperor with a respectful nod, then invited him to witness the miracle unfolding.

  The senators, along with Alessandro, joined the growing crowd, standing behind the large windows that overlooked the gardens. From their vantage point, they watched in awe as dark fumes of the patient dissolved into the air, vanishing without a trace. Slowly, the patient before Ava began to stir, returning to life with each breath.

  “She’s already cured eight patients,” Aurelia explained, her voice filled with quiet pride. “It takes time. She needs immense concentration and self-confidence to channel her light. We’ve found that the best place for her to work is here, alone in the gardens with each patient. No one must interrupt her.”

  The patient Ava was working on was the brother of one of the senators. Aurelia had deliberately chosen him, knowing the senators would arrive soon. After a while, the patient stirred, his eyes fluttering open. He stared down at his hands and arms, as if trying to make sense of his surroundings. When the realization settled in, he slowly turned his gaze toward Ava.

  “Who are you?” he asked.

  “They will tell you who I am,” Ava said softly. “Now, you can go and reunite with your family.”

  Those were her final words before she closed her eyes and collapsed onto the green grass of the garden, her body surrendering to exhaustion. When she next opened her eyes, she found herself in one of the patient rooms. Alessandro and Aurelia were by her side, their eyes filled with worry.

  “How are you feeling, amore? I’m sorry we asked so much of you,” Alessandro said softly, kissing her hand with a tender expression.

  “No need to worry,” Aurelia reassured her, her voice calm. “We’ve checked your vitals and blood. It seems that your abilities are taxing your body, much like the strain of intense physical exertion. We’ll need to ensure you get proper rest and nourishment before you begin working with patients again. I apologize, we got carried away in our excitement to help so many people.”

  “I’m feeling all right,” Ava replied, a soft smile curving her lips. “I feel content... and proud.”

  “You are amazing,” Aurelia said with a warm, admiring smile. “You’re everyone’s hero here on Ars Pheria now. But we must take it slow, there are so many patients and only one healer.”

  “Let’s go home now,” Alessandro suggested gently, his voice full of care. “We’ll take good care of you.”